Ekwe Ebongo of Cameroon and nine others win International Women of Courage award

Henriette Ekwe Ebongo is a Journalist, publisher of Bebela, political activist

The US Secretary of State, Mrs Hillary Clinton and United States Department presented the International Women of Courage award to Ms Ebong and other nine wowen in Washington DC at Dean Acheson Auditorium of the U.S. Department of State. First Lady Michelle Obama, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer and foreign dignitaries were present.

Henriette Ekwe Ebongo of Cameroon is 61 years old publisher and activist. According to her Bio in US State Department website, Ms Ebong is "Regarded as one of the most experienced and influential female journalists in Cameroon, Henriette Ekwe Ebongo has spent a lifetime advancing press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, good governance, and gender equality. From the struggle against dictatorship in the 1980s, to the struggle against corruption and injustice in recent years, she has refused to be silenced for standing up for justice and the rule of law. The publisher of Bebela, a weekly independent newspaper, she was instrumental in the founding of a freer and more independent media in Cameroon." She also speaks fluent English and French.

On receiving the award Ms Ebong said, "Mrs. Obama, Secretary Clinton, distinguished invitees, today is a great day for us. The sun is brightly shining in our hearts. Each of us is waging a fierce battle for the ideals and unshakable convictions she stands for. Each of us does it, whatever the price to pay, the loneliness of (inaudible), repression, torture, and (inaudible) from everywhere the violence of those who (inaudible) humiliations. We tried to achieve our goals, making our country the best place to live where you enjoy freedom, (inaudible) in democracy, development, gender equity, and good governance. "

She continued, "Our societies still suffer so many diseases that we could not just fold our arms and wait. Our commitment to changes likely to improve our citizens’ lives was and still is our life’s missions. We did not think about becoming heroines, but it just happened that we were there and had to fulfill our historical duty."

Ms Ebong concluded, "We do appreciate this award of International Women of Courage as a wonderful umbrella and shield to protect us in our daily activities. We welcome this precious award as a tremendous (inaudible) tool for younger generation to stand up and fight and pave the way for the future, a better future. The International Women of Courage Award represent for all of us a new beginning and a good reason to stand firm. This country has done a lot in shaping the mentalities and contributing to building a modern, democratic society. Only half of my (inaudible), let me express our deep and sincere gratitude.

The names of 2011 year’s honorees for the award of International Women of Courage

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, center right, and First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, center left, pose for a photo with the honorees of the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.. PIc: US State Dept.